Stop by the FGS booth in the Expo Hall starting Thursday, February 2, 2012 and spend time with a variety of FGS board members who are leaders in the genealogy community. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss issues ranging from technology to attracting new society members.

FGS Society Central LIVE sessions are not “formal” lectures but casual conversations with subject matter experts. Show up at the FGS booth with your questions and get advice that you can take back home to your genealogy society.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

As a reminder, the Winter 2011 issue of the FGS FORUM is available in the Members Section of the FGS website.

Our editor, Matt Wright, continues to create an interactive publication geared to helping our member societies grow, while maintaining helpful information to individual genealogists. Here is just a short preview to what awaits you:

In addition, you'll find lots of great content in this issue:

All Roads Lead To Birmingham, by Paula Stuart-Warren and Thomas MacEntee

Evernote: The Total Recall Research Log, by Darcie M. Hind Posz

Member Society News, by Randy Whited

Family Associations column, by Christine Rose

FGS Outreach Committee by Darcie M. Hind Posz

Records Preservation and Access Committee, by Linda McCleary

Book Reviews column, by Paul Milner

Subscribers can login to access their copy of the Winter 2011 issue, and two members of each member organization can also use their society's login ID and password to access their copies.

And what if you're not a subscriber yet? FGS is offering a one-year subscription to the FGS FORUM, which is produced in electronic format (PDF), for $15 and a special two-year membership deal for $25. Learn more at http://fgs.org/forum and download a sample issue. You can subscribe online or print and mail your check.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Email Marketing Solutions for Your Genealogy Organization. Our guest will be Kathryn M. Doyle, of the FGS-member society California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California. Kathryn will discuss the many ways in which her society has effectively used email marketing to not only communicate with members but to reach the larger genealogy and family history community. In addition, we’ll be featuring FGS member society, California African American Genealogical Society, in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guest: Kathryn Doyle

Communications Director for the California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California, Kathryn edits the society's eNews and writes their award-winning blog. As a member of the Publications/Marketing Committee, she helps promote the society's events and oversees social networking.

This week's Society Spotlight features the California African American Genealogical Society.

In 1986, James Dent WALKER, Edgar LOVE and Lonnie BUNCH,realizing the need for African-American genealogists in Los Angeles to network with one another, began organizing a society which would provide a vehicle for Black genealogists to trace their roots. These men were encouraged by the acting director of the California African-American Museum to form a society associated with the museum. “ California African-American Genealogical Society” (CAAGS) was associated with the museum for five and a half years.

The first organizational meeting took place on 23 March 1986 at the California African-American Museum, located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California. The CAAGS was the first society on the West Coast formed specifically to research the genealogies of slave descendants.

The mission statement of the California African-American Genealogical Society is:

To Encourage and support the utilization of genealogy as a tool for African- Americans to become aware of their history, heritage, and self-worth

To encourage the collection, preservation, and maintenance of African-American genealogical materials by supplementing various museums and library collections and such other repositories as the Society deems appropriate.

To stimulate the membership and the general public to study, research and record their family histories.

To promote and maintain ethical standards in genealogical research and publications.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

January 19, 2012 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces a Request for Lecture Proposals for the FGS 2013 Conference, “Journey Through Generations,” to be held August 21 – 24, 2013, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The conference will be held in conjunction with the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana and the Allen County Public Library as local hosts. Outstanding nearby research facilities and attractions will enhance the conference experience. The deadline for submission of lecture proposals is Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

The 2013 FGS Conference theme, Journey Through Generations, has dual meaning. It symbolizes the literal journey our ancestors took through America's heartland, on rivers, railroads, Indian trails, wagon roads, canals and the Underground Railroad. The theme also infers the virtual journey that genealogists take through bygone times and distant places as they explore the lives of their ancestors generation by generation.
Topics relating to the Midwest, migration patterns, technology, regional repositories, and religious and ethnic groups are encouraged. Wednesday, 21 August 2013, is an all-day "Focus on Societies" program for genealogical society officers, board members, volunteers, and other interested parties.

The program committee specifically seeks new and dynamic proposals that will provide exceptional and unique educational experiences for conference attendees. Proposals for workshops and sponsored talks are also encouraged.

Speakers are strongly encouraged to submit multiple proposals (more than four), as most speakers will be invited to present a minimum of three lectures at the conference. There is no limit to the number of proposals a speaker may submit.

Submission Requirements

Send proposals in PDF, Microsoft Word, or RTF format. File names should include your last name, first initial, and proposal topic. (Example: SmithR - TechStrategies). Each proposal should include:

Send proposals, as an email attachment, with “FGS 2013 Lecture Proposals” in the subject line, to program2013@fgs.orgno later than May 15, 2012. If submitting lecture recordings by mail, please email program2013@fgs.org for the appropriate postal address.

Compensation

Selected speakers receive an honorarium, travel compensation, and conference registration as well as per diem and hotel nights based on the number of lectures presented. (Sponsored speakers only receive conference registration and syllabus materials. See more about sponsorships below.) Non-sponsored speakers receive compensation according to the FGS Conference Speaker Policy at www.fgs.org/conferences/speakerpolicy.php.

Sponsored Lectures

Societies and businesses are encouraged to submit proposals for sponsored talks. The sponsoring organization will cover its speaker's costs to present the lecture. Sponsored speakers will abide by all speaker deadlines and syllabus requirements. Sponsored speakers will receive complimentary FGS conference registration and electronic syllabus materials.

Additional Information

Camera-ready handouts are required for each lecture or workshop presentation and will be compiled in a syllabus distributed to conference participants. The deadline for submissions of syllabus materials is April 15, 2013.

Invitations to speak will be issued in October 2012. Syllabus format guidelines will be sent to speakers at that time. The deadline for acceptance and submission of signed speaker contracts is November 1, 2012.

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.

This week’s episode hosted by Randy Whited is entitled Crafting an Effective Member Survey. Our guests will be Paula Hinkel, of the FGS-member society Southern California Genealogical Society in Burbank, California, and Taneya Koonce, a member of the FGS Education Committee. Paula and Taneya will discuss all facets of survey design, implementation methods and analysis. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Idaho Genealogical Society, in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guest: Paula Hinkel

Paula Hinkel is former President of the Southern California Genealogical Society and is currently serving as vice president. She is the co-chair of the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, and has been one of the instigators behind the implementation of technological solutions at SCGS.

Tanyea Koonce has a degree in Biology from Emory University. She also holds two Masters: one in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and one in Public Health from Vanderbilt. She is currently an Associate Director for Research with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In addition, Taneya is a member of the FGS Education Committee.

Links:

Taneya’s Genealogy Blog
http://www.taneya-kalonji.com/genblog/

Taneya Koonce
http://about.me/taneya

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Idaho Genealogical Society.

Vision

Looking Forward to the Past

Mission

To become a preferred first stop for those researching their ancestry in Idaho, by reaching out to a statewide audience, preserving Idaho specific records, maximizing grant requests to fund our projects, and making member's Idaho research meaningful and successful.

Goals

Partnering with local genealogical societies statewide within Idaho.

Providing information on what is available at the local level.

Scheduling and sponsoring seminars throughout the year that will enhance ancestry knowledge.

Identifying and providing resources/knowledge not available elsewhere.

Delivering a newsletter in a timely manner that addresses items of interest to researchers of Idaho Genealogy with significant depth and importance.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

We hope everyone had a great holiday season. At Accessilbe Archives we have been busy adding new content to our databases and making our website better and easier to use.

Our New Website

Our new website is online at accessible-archives.com and contains detailed information about our collections as well as our online User Manual and FAQs. We have also moved our popular blog from its old site and added it to the main accessible-archives.com site so it is easier than ever to follow.

If you are not yet an Accessible Archives client, now is a great time to become one. We have compiled a list of the questions we are asked most frequently and hope that their answers will address any questions you may have.

If you have more questions or would like to request a trial, please do not hesitate to contact our exclusive sales and marketing agents at Unlimited Priorities. Iris Hanney at iris.hanney@unlimitedpriorities.com, will be happy to help you in any way.

With warm regards,

About Accessible Archives, Inc.

Founded in 1990, Accessible Archives utilizes computer technology to provide vast quantities of archived historical information previously available only in microformat. Diverse primary source materials reflecting broad views across American history and culture have been assembled into comprehensive databases. Developed by dedicated instructors and students of Americana, these databases allow access to the rich store of materials from leading newspapers, books and periodicals then current. Accessible Archives will continue to add titles covering important topics and time periods to assist scholars and students at all academic levels. Accessible Archives has retained Unlimited Priorities Corporation as its exclusive sales and marketing agent. To learn more about Accessible Archives click on URL link: http://www.accessible.com.

Unlimited Priorities is attuned to the management requirements of companies in the information industry. We provide executive-level support services by utilizing a highly skilled group of professionals with abundant experience. Our practice specialties include Sales and Marketing, Business Development, Financial Services, Operations Management, Production, Information Technology, and Content Development and Licensing. Our new Archival Initiatives Division provides advice to libraries, historical societies and industry associations in selecting, distributing, and monetizing their valuable archival content. Our goal is to enhance our clients’ abilities to succeed, offering solutions that are realistic, practical, achievable and affordable. To learn more about Unlimited Priorities Corporation click on URL link: http://www.unlimitedpriorities.com

Monday, January 16, 2012

January 16, 2012 – Austin, TX. Registration for the 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, scheduled for August 29 - September 1, 2012, in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama, is now open. This year’s conference theme is “Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the ‘Old Southwest’,” and the local host is the Alabama Genealogical Society (AGS).

This year's FGS conference offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. Over 175 educational sessions and 13 luncheons are designed to balance the needs of genealogists at all levels, exploring a variety of records, strategies, and other tools available to those interested in researching their family history. Special sessions include a wide variety targeting members and leaders of genealogical and historical societies. In addition, special events, such as the Alabama Genealogical Society Opening Social at the Alabama Theater, the FGS Evening Social at the historic Sloss Furnaces, Spotlight on Societies, and daily sponsored lectures provide an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy.

Session sponsors include FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, findmypast.com, the National Archives and Records Administration, and others.

Conference Highlights

Librarian’s Day: On Wednesday, August 29, 2012, ProQuest is sponsoring a full day of sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers.

Conference Sessions: A wide variety of genealogy-related lectures and workshops for all experience levels. Topics include Southern research, Settlers and Indians, soldiers, strategies and techniques, technology, and writing.

Special Events: Include the AGS Opening Social at the Alabama Theater and the FGS Evening Social at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark—all providing an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy. This exciting week of genealogy closes with a Farewell Brunch on Sunday.

Exhibit Hall: Filled with a wide array of vendors and organizations, Cyber Cafe and lounge area sponsored by RootsMagic, and a special Spotlight on Societies area will showcase local and regional genealogical and historical societies.

There are more activities and research opportunities too numerous to list. However, you can learn all about the 2012 FGS Conference and register for this exciting four-day event at http://www.fgs.org/2012conference. Be sure to also visit or subscribe to the FGS Conference Blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org for more information and travel advice. We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham in August!

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.

Sue Tolbert – Sue Tolbert served on the FGS board in 2011 and, among other accomplishments, did an outstanding job designing the new FGS booth. Recently, she has been assisting with the Membership Committee including answering emails and doing much of the busy work involved in keeping the FGS membership database up-to-date. From 2001 – July 2007 Tolbert worked as a Genealogy Reference Specialist in the local History and Genealogy Department of the Muskogee Public Library assisting researchers, primarily those interested in Creek and Cherokee lineage, and continues to work there as a volunteer. Currently Tolbert is the Executive Director of the Three Rivers Museum, a local history museum and archives in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Lisa Alzo – Lisa Alzo recently served on the FGS Nominating Committee during 2011. Alzo brings to FGS a strong publications and technology background and has agreed to take on the daunting task of Publications Committee chair at FGS. She is a freelance writer, instructor, and lecturer with over 20 years’ experience in the field of genealogy. Alzo earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and is the author of nine books, including: Finding Your Slovak Ancestors, Writing Your Family History Book, and the award-winning Three Slovak Women. Alzo has written hundreds of articles and her work has appeared in Family Tree Magazine, Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, APG Quarterly, among others. An internationally recognized speaker, she writes the The Accidental Genealogist blog (http://www.theaccidentalgenealogist.com). For more information visit http://www.lisaalzo.com.

Pat Oxley, President of FGS states, “I am delighted to have Sue Tolbert back on the FGS board for another year. Sue has been a huge asset to the FGS Board and is always willing to help where needed. And a big welcome to our newest board member Lisa Alzo. With her many talents in the area of publishing and technology, I know Lisa will be a great addition to the FGS Board."

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled The FamilySearch Research Wiki and Your Genealogy Society. Our guest will be Lise Embley, of FamilySearch who will help us understand how the FamilySearch Research Wiki works and how it can help your genealogy society. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Fairfax Genealogical Society, Fairfax County, Virginia and speaking with their president, Lee James Irwin, in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guest: Lise Embley

Lise Embley has been a genealogy enthusiast since the day her grandfather presented her with a mimeographed listing of several generations of her ancestors. Since that day, she has been on a quest to fill in all the blanks. Before turning her attentions to raising a family, Lise worked in Silicon Valley designing and supporting technical solutions for an international sales force. She is the Illinois Moderator for the FamilySearch Wiki, Director of the Williamsburg (Virginia) Family History Center, an avid Indexing volunteer, foodie, and soccer mom. She recently accepted a position with FamilySearch in the Patron Services Division where she will be focused on building the FamilySearch wiki Community. She will be presenting the workshop “The FamilySearch Wiki as Social Media” at RootsTech 2012.

This week's Society Spotlight features the Fairfax Genealogical Society of Fairfax County, Virginia. The Fairfax Genealogical Society (FxGS) was established in 1974 as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to promote fellowship and cooperation among persons who are conducting genealogical research and aid those doing research in our area. We currently have over 400 members, including not only many who live in or near Fairfax County, but also many who are searching for information in our area. As set forth in the Society's by-laws, its purposes are:

To bring together persons who are conducting genealogical research and promote fellowship and cooperation among them.

To collect, preserve, and disseminate genealogical knowledge and information.

To stimulate and provide instruction in the use of proper genealogical research methodology and adherence to standards of accuracy and thoroughness in genealogical research.

To promote scholarly genealogical writing and publication.

To promote the preservation of records and resources of the area having genealogical research value.

To encourage an interest in genealogy as an aid to discovering a person's origin and role in life, and to encourage interest in preserving the family unit.

To encourage and provide support to research into methods of researching, organizing, indexing and retrieving, preserving and disseminating genealogical information and records.

Guest

Lee James Irwin

Lee James Irwin has been an FxGS member since about 2003. He has participated in the SIGs on Germany, Pennsylvania, and Genealogical Writing. He has been the SIG leader for NGS home study courses. He became President in 2009.

He grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, attended Oberlin College and served in Ethiopia as a Peace Corps volunteer before doing graduate work in American History at Syracuse University. He came to the capital area for a career in the Foreign Service from which he has retired.

Lee James is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Association and the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society. He volunteers at the National Archives as a genealogy aide. His research focuses on his Scots-Irish and German Mennonite roots in Pennsylvania.

This week’s episode hosted by Randy Whited is entitled New Year, New Board Members. Our guests will include Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt, president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC) and editor of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Voice Newsletter. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Clallam County Genealogical Society (Washington) in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guest: Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt

Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt owns Kimmitt Genealogical Research in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She is a Certified Genealogist, and has been an associate of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) since January, 2009. A case worker at the American History Company, working under contract for the US Army, she is responsible for locating families of servicemen lost in previous conflicts. She is president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC). She is the editor of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Voice Newsletter and currently serves on the FGS Membership, Nominating and Conference Planning Committees. She has served on the Professional Issues Committee of the APG (2010-11), and as president of the New England Chapter of APG (2009). Among other professional associations, she was regent of the Col. Timothy Bigelow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Worcester (2007-2009).

A native of Scituate, Massachusetts, her genealogical research specialization is Massachusetts, with focus on immigration and migration. She speaks Italian and French, as well as her native English. She is a 1978 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a member of the Mayflower Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

The Clallam County Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of genealogical materials, and to providing supportive and educational opportunities for those who are involved in genealogical research.

From the CCGS Website:

Do you have ancestors from Clallam County? Our research library has extensive information regarding Clallam County families, and our volunteers are here to assist you.

Our volunteers enjoy a good working relationship with the Clallam County Historical Society and have accessibility to their records also.

Even if you don’t have any Clallam County roots we offer our assistance to anyone beginning a family search, or to those of you who may need some new ideas and support along the way.

Enjoy our new website it will keep you up to date on local events, classes, seminars, trips, a growing library book index, new database subscriptions and more, all which will help you with your research.